Short Story -CAM

8/14/2019 Short Story -CAM

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Audreys fingers brushed against the pistol, her eyes closing as shetouched it. Who knew such a small weapon could be so deadly? Her silver-likegrey eyes gazed at the jet black weapon. Suddenly, an officer bumped into her,causing her to drop her gaze.

Are you Audrey Springston? the officer questioned her with a skepticalexpression, his voice gruff with disbelief.

Audrey merely nodded, familiar with the officers disbelief that she was

helping him to solve a crime. Well, no man could believe a five foot four incheshigh school freshman girl was assisting him with a serious crime.

Alright, the officer grunted, Youre going to help me interrogate theperpetrator, he told her but then mumbled to himself, I ask for assistanceand they send me a child stupid, good for nothing

The officer continued his ranting and cursing to himself as he guidedAudrey to the stores storage room. There, over in the middle of two piles ofpackaged food was the perpetrator; he was handcuffed, sitting on a steel chairwith his hands behind his back. His hair was blonde and ruffled, landing an inchabove his shoulders. He was incredibly thin, so thin, that in fact his bones wereapparent; almost as if he hadnt been fed. His skin wasnt pale or tan, more ofan in-between skin color. The officer stepped toward him dramatically pacinghimself. Audrey just rolled her eyes at him.

Sir, you are fully aware of your consequences, yes? Well, now weregoing to have to question you, the officer stated with a huff, Id like you torefer to me as Officer Lone. And this young lady as-

Audrey, she interrupted Officer Lone with a wave at the malefactor.The malefactor grunted and introduced himself as Harvey Dyre. He

answered every question immediately and without any hesitation. Except forwhen it came to one question, a question Audrey just had to ask, Did you havean accomplice?

Harvey went wide-eyed at the teenage girl who had randomly asked hima question. He turned to the officer, Excuse me Officer Tone.

Lone, he corrected with his gruff, husky voice.Harvey rolled his eyes for he didnt care, Anyways; does this child have

the right to question me? Dont you have to be eighteen or licensed?

The officer chuckled at his question, Alright. Will this make it muchmore comfortable for you? Did you have an accomplice?Harvey gulped and he knew that he had just given himself away. He

refused to answer the question. The officer suddenly went from joking to stern,Harvey Dyre, did you have an accomplice?

Harvey glared at the man and scowled, Yes. But I cant tell youanything.

Officer Lone glared at him with his tough, deep brown eyes. He himselfwas beefy and muscular. Officer Lone usually went to the gym after his shift, atleast four days a week. His stubble was brown like his eyes and his hair wasalso brown but darker, appearing to be almost black. He slammed his handsagainst the shelf, Mr. Dyre, I need you to tell me who your accomplice was!Right now.

I can only say that who it is, was in the store at the time.

Audrey rolled her eyes at Harvey, Well, it has to be someone who was inthe store at the time! Thats how they helped you! Harvey, listen. You can tellme who it was. They cant hurt you or affect you at all. Whoever this person iswill also be punished for their crime along with you.

Harvey glanced up at the girl. She was intelligent in her own way but shewas sticking it to him. She was strong-willed and bright; a terrific combination,if he might say so himself. Audrey was tall for her mere age of fourteen; shehad skipped a grade and was happily excelling in her advanced placementclasses in high school. She was very tan for she had gone to the beach many


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times as a child and her figure was well built. Her hair was a dark mahoganythat lengthened all the way down to her waist.

Harvey gulped once again and gazed her in the eyes, I dont know whoit was. I just know that they had called me the night before and told me theydhelp me. And now I know to never trust whoever it was again. Also, it wasnt areal voice; it was like robotic and recorded.

Audrey nodded and then smiled, then leered at Officer Lone, See? I can

get a job done too, officer. I may be just a kid but I can also get the job done.Harvey merely laughed at Audreys bragging, but Officer Lone winced

and scowled at Audrey, Mhmm; now, were just going to have to find out whohis accomplice is so we can lock him in the cellar. What we have to do is findout who was in the store at the time. Therefore, we need to check out thesecurity tapes.

They turned to watch Harvey as he watched them back. Harveys eyeswere a vulnerable blue. Almost as if he was sensitive, but Audrey knew thatthis whole robber thing was just a charade to get people to think he wastough.

Officer Lone called the police department and had Harvey picked up.Meanwhile, Audrey went to investigate the security tapes. Once again,

she found her fingers brushing against the evidence. The tapes from that daywere all lined up in front of her and Audrey spotted the one she needed; March15, 2009 5:30-7:30 P.M. She shoved it into the VCR and watched carefully. Shesaw Harvey walk in wearing normal clothes and looking completely innocent.Audreys eyes were glued to the screen and she saw five other people in thestore: an early thirty/ late twenty year old man, a mother (and her young son),the cashier, and two teenage girls named Natalie and Erin. First, Audreyimmediately eliminated the cashier, not only because he was completelysurprised but because he was also killed by Harvey. The mother didnt appearsuspicious at all, but you never know. The two teenage girls, who Audrey knewbecause they went to her high school, werent very suspicious looking either,but, as before, you never know. The man seemed most suspicious because hewas waiting in line right behind Harvey. The man had a tattoo on his neck thatwas most likely his initials: ICE.

It seemed strange how his initials are also the title for waters frozen

form, Audrey thought to herself. To Audrey, the most suspicious was the man,for he was very muscular and seemed quite kept to himself. The man wasexceedingly tall; he couldve been an excellent basketball player with hisheight of at least 6 and a half feet. Hes African American, Audrey thought toherself. His hair was cut short, like a military cut.

Officer Lone came into the room and told Audrey that her mother hadcalled for her to return home and Audrey sighed.

With her arms crossed, she replied, How did she contact you?Officer Lone mimicked her and used the same tone she did, She called

the department and they informed me, then he went back to his originalposition, Dont give me that tone little girl. There are laws against that, youknow?

She rolled her eyes, I know. Im smarter than you think I am: obviously.As a matter of fact, you should be thanking me Officer Lone.

He coughed, And what must I thank you for, Miss Springston? hequestioned her.I found out that Harvey Dyre has an accomplice. I am the one who

figured out there was more to this than what was on the surface! sheanswered, jabbing her finger right onto Officer Lones chest every time she saidI.

Officer Lone was flabbergasted at Audrey, Did I not just inform you notto give me attitude, hmm? Yes, I admit that you did figure something out, butnow we have much more to look into than before. You just made a simple arrestturn into a giant mystery that we dont need.


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Audrey drew in a breath, WellIt was silent between the two of them and Audrey finally let out her

breath, Well I should get going home Officer Lone. My mother is expectingme.

She slinked out of the room but stopped at the doorway, Im sorry formy attitude Officer Lone, she apologized.

Officer Lone felt triumphant as Audrey finally left the store. Then felt

sheer guilt for he had made a teenager feel bad and timid. Officer Lone wasused to such pain, so he just shrugged off the pain. He turned to the computersand watched the security tape that Audrey had been watching thinking thesame thing every time he studied it, who in the world could have done it?

Audrey marched up the steps to her familys apartment building (herfamily consisted of her and her mother). She took the key from her backpackand unlocked the door. She stepped inside and slowly shut the door, notwanting to disturb her mother with the door.

Mom, Im home! Audrey shouted into the small two bedroom, onebathroom residence. Her mother didnt answer her, so she strolled into thehallway to yell again, Mom, Im home!

This time she got an answer, coming from the bathroom.Im getting all of the dirty laundry! she exclaimed, as she emerged

from the bathroom with a basket filled with clothes. Her mothers copper hairwas messily fixed into a bun. Under her grey eyes were shadows, showing thatshe was tired. Her skin seemed pale, but it was supposed to be tan. She wastoo thin like Harvey was, but she had more fat than he did.

Hi Mom, how was your day? Audrey asked her as she strolled over totake the basket from her.

It was very tiring. Everyone kept asking for my help, Oh, Molly! Canyou come here and help the chef? or Molly! I need you to take over my table!all at the same time. I knew that taking this job was going to tire me but notthis much.

Audrey felt sympathy for her mother because she could tell she workedhard for her paycheck, Well, I get to work on a case that seems very strange,she stated as she helped her mother with taking the laundry down to the

Laundromat next door.Ooh, how exciting, she commented as they were walking down thestairs.

Audrey scoffed, Yeah, but not if youre working with a crankypoliceman. Hes so crabby about everything. Let me do the talking, Youre

just a kid! and my favorite, Dont talk to me like that little girl. There are lawsagainst that, you know? Gosh!

Her mother laughed, Honey, you talked back to a police officer?Audrey groaned, Yes Mom. But I had reasons to!Her mother just laughed and took the laundry basket out of her hands,

Audrey, you need to understand that the officer is in charge. Youre lucky theyeven let you help the squad. The only reason that they have to keep you thereis that youre extraordinarily smart like your father was.

Audrey flinched and was quiet for the whole time after.

Officer Lone was on his way to the gym for his daily visit. That day, hechose to jog to the gym instead of driving his truck. He was dressed in a

joggers outfit, with his CD player in his gym bag. As he was jogging, the onlything he thought about was the security tape and the five suspects. His headkept memorizing their faces, hoping that he might be able to find one of them.

Luck was on his side as he jogged past the woman who was in thesecurity tape. He stopped and turned around. Then he shouted, Maam!Excuse me! Maam!


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The woman turned around, her young son gripping her hand. She lookedOfficer Lone in the eyes and Officer Lone beckoned for her to come over.

She stepped toward him and Officer Lone introduced himself, Hellothere maam. Im Officer Lone from the police department and Id like to takeyou somewhere for questioning.

The woman scoffed, Thats the lamest pick-up line Ive ever heard.Officer Lone rolled his eyes, Maam, I have my badge right here, he

reached into his gym bag and took it out, her eyes widened at the sight of it.Her son reached out to touch it. Officer Lone lowered it to the boys eye level.

The woman coughed, Im so sorry Officer. I didnt mean toIts all right, he told her as he put his badge back, I just have one

question for right now; all right? If you give me the answer Im looking fortomorrow I want you to meet me in my office at the police department.

The woman nodded but then reached out to shake his hand, Im sorry.My name is Zoe Smith-Ryan. And this is my son, Neil.

Nice to meet you Mrs. Smith-Ryan, he shook her hand.Its Miss Smith-Ryan. Smith-Ryan is my maiden name and my husband

divorced me at least a year after Neil was born.Ms. Smith-Ryan, I hate to be rude, but Im not here to question your

personal life. Were you in the small, local grocery store Friendly Grocers onMarch 15th at around 7 oclock P.M. to witness the robbery and murder? heasked her, straight to the point.

Zoe shuddered and nodded, Yes it was very frightening and ittraumatized my son. He can no longer see that store title normally. He justcringes and I rush him away from the place!

Officer Lone nodded, Alright. Tomorrow, my office at around 8:30 in themorning, all right? Ill see you there Ms. Smith-Ryan, he waved to her then

jogged off to the gym.

The next day, Officer Lone was sitting in his office, leaning his chair backagainst the wall. It was 9:00 and Zoe Smith-Ryan wasnt there yet. He wasbeginning to think that she forgot. He moved forward to grab the latest phonebook and set it on his desk, but he completely ignored it. The clock was tickingslowly as if it were mocking him. Officer Lone sat upright and began to drum

his fingertips on the desk. His phone began to ring and he answered it as soonas he heard the first ring.Hello? Officer Adam Lone, who is calling? he answered.Oh. Thank goodness. Im sorry Officer Lone but Im going to be late.

Neils doctor appointment was today and I completely forgot. I apologize. Wellbe there in about ten minutes.

Okay. Ill see you soon Zoe.He hung up, not even giving her a chance to say good-bye back.Minutes later, when Zoe had arrived Officer Lone had had her take a seat

in the chair. She took it and had Neil sit on her lap.How old is this boy? he asked her out of curiosity.Oh, why hes only three years old; turning four in next month, she

answered.He nodded, Now, maam, my partner and I studying this case were

informed that the malefactor, Harvey Dyre, had an accomplice. Now, wereinvestigating and looking further into this case. Maam I want you to becompletely honest to me with the next few questions.

Have you heard of Harvey Dyre?Not until you told me just nowDont be a smart aleck with me. Do you know Harvey Dyre?She vigorously shook her head, I dont know him. Ive never heard of

him until you just told me.Neil looked at his mother. Obviously gazing into her soft, warm brown

eyes; his hand was wrapped around his mothers blonde hair. His eyes were


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different, they were jade green; most likely from the father. His hair, although,was blonde too. Both of them had skin that was beige colored. Zoe was verythin and had very round curves, you could tell she was very fit throughout herlife. Her son was a bit chubby but it was probably just baby fat. Zoe had a heartshaped face with almond shaped eyes, but Neils face was more curved and hiseyes were also almond shaped.

Officer Lone looked into Zoes eyes and gave her a hard, cold stare that

showed no emotion, Zoe Smith-Ryan, do you know Harvey Dyre at all?She was frozen and answered, No. I just know that he killed a man and

robbed the grocery store.Officer Lone stood up and walked over to her and sighed, Positive?She nodded, Very.He kneeled down and put his hand on her arm, Willing to bet your life

on it?She nodded vigorously.He yanked his hand away from her, Willing to bet your sons life on it?She stood up, Yes! Okay! Im positive that I dont know this Harvey

fellow at all!Officer Lone was astounded at her reaction and nodded, Okay. Thats

all Ms. Smith-Ryan. I request that you relax a little bit. That kind of attitudegets you into trouble.

She gave him a cross look and stomped out of the room, but he pulledher back to ask her one last question.

Zoe, if you werent there because you were assisting Harvey, then whywere you there in anyways? he asked her.

Like I said, my sons birthday is next month. I was just looking for somecheap party supplies and some food. Is that all Officer A. Lone? she said,chuckling to herself as she read the name tag on his desk.

He nodded and let her leave.Officer Lone knew that she was telling the truth and he eliminated her

from the list of suspects. Now, the only three that were listed were the twoteenage girls and the strange man. For some strange reason, Officer Lonedoubted it was any of those suspects. But the evidence was pointing straighttowards them.

Audrey was leaning against her locker during lunch, watching out forErin and Claudia, the two teenage girls that were suspects from the grocerystore. She was going to ask them a couple questions. Though, she wasnt sureshe was able to because she was merely a freshman and they were seniors.Maybe theyd completely ignore her? Or possibly just diss her but she had toget the job done, whether it embarrasses her or not.

She was seeking for Erins jet black hair and Claudias red hair together.She spotted them, lingering over by the water fountain. Erins jet black hair fellto her shoulders and Claudias red hair was pulled into two pigtails falling flatagainst her shoulder blades. Claudia and Erin were both somewhat overweightbut it wasnt something held against them. Claudia was taller and had tannerskin than Erin. Claudia always had makeup on and her chic, white wire-rimmedglasses too. Erin was always wearing black clothes and the only makeup she

wears is eyeliner, which was also black. Both girls had purple paintedfingernails.Audrey went up to them and introduced herself, Hi Im Audrey

Springston, she shook their hands.Hello. Im- Erin tried to say but Audrey interrupted her.Erin Summers, and youre Claudia Marco, right?The girls nodded and Claudia gave her a cynical look, What is it you

want, darling?Darling? Audrey thought to herself, did she just call me, darling?

Seriously?


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Im working with Officer Lone on a case and we have you two listed assuspects. Id like to ask you two a couple questions regarding March 15thsrobbery and murder, she told them and they laughed at her.

You are helping a policeman solve a crime? Arent you a freshman?Claudia guffawed, Arent you a little young to be an intern?

Audrey scowled, I might be in numbers but Im plenty experienced withsuch things. My father was a cop! He was very intelligent and very talented at

his job. He taught me everything I know she mumbled the last part toherself.

Both girls stopped laughing after a while, Claudia asked, What are yougonna question us about, eh, Audrey?

Audrey turned to her, Im going to ask you guys about what you twowere doing at the Friendly Grocers on March 15th.

Erin tilted her head to the side, March 15th March 15th Oh! her eyeswidened and she nudged Claudia, That was the day when we saw the robber.Remember? We hid in one of the aisles so he wouldnt see us?

Claudia stared at her, and then she had the same expression.Of course he may have missed you but we didnt. You two are suspects

of being his accomplice. Unless, you want to tell me why you were there at thesmall, unpopular grocery store?

Claudia glared at Audrey and said, Its none of your business.Claudias green eyes were straight into Audreys, hard and cold.It is my business if you committed a crime or not. You could be thrown

into juvenile hall. What would your parents have to say about that? Audreyretorted.

Claudia just raised her eyebrows at me, but Erin told me, Look, Claudiawas searching for a certain something and she didnt want to go up to the cutecashier and buy it. So, I was arguing with her for about half an hour. Then, thescary robber guy came in and you know did his thing.

Audrey remembered seeing the two of them talking in a corner, but shecouldnt hear them. Therefore, Audrey believed them completely.

Right after Erin had confided in me, Claudia whacked her in the arm,Why did you tell her?! Its not her business; you and I both know it.

Erin shrugged, She has to know. It was that or be sent to juvie for

nothing. Come one, you know that if it was the other way around you wouldvedone the same thingClaudia scowled at her, No, I wouldnt she muttered and then

stomped off.I thanked Erin for her honesty and then sauntered off into the hallway.

Okay, so Erin and Claudia isnt the anonymous accomplice nor is the cashier.So, all that was left was the mother and the man. After school, Im going todiscuss this with Officer Lone.

Audrey went home first; before she went to meet with Officer Lone. Sheknocked on the door, hoping her mother would answer because she forgot thekey.

She knocked a little harder, but no answer.She began to pound on the door, and her she heard her moms voice,

Im coming! Im coming!She opened the door and hugged Audrey, Hi honey. How was school?Oh, you know, the way it usually is, she told her as she hung her

jacket in the small closet they had next to the door.As I was saying a voice stated from the kitchen. Audrey turned to

give her mother a confused look.Whos that? I whispered to her.Its Paige Robbin, my friend from work. She decided to help me get a

promotion so I can work with her instead offorher. Ill be talking with her for a


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while. You just go and get yourself some dinner. Okay? she explained to meand I agreed to it.

All right, Ill just get some after I work with Officer Lone for a while. Ihave to tell him something.

Officer Lone was calmly watching television in his office. His eyes werepractically glued to the screen. Outside of his office he could her people

talking.Hello there young lady, how can I help you? Chief Brandon asked the

person he was greeting.Im here to see Officer Lone, the voice said and Officer Lone

recognized it as Audrey Springston.You mean Officer A. Lone? He should be in his office, he replied.Officer Lone dreaded the way everyone said it like that, A. Lone, which

was true. He was alone and sad. He knew that was why he was so crabby all thetime. He usually went to the gym to forget that he was alone. It was his way ofsolving the problem. Of course, he had friends but thats not exactly what hewas referring to.

Audrey knocked and opened the door.He was about to scold her for not waiting until he permitted her to open

the door.I knocked. Thats what my mother taught me; to knock before entering

a room.He chuckled, Dont be such a smart aleck with me, young lady, he told

her.Audrey sighed, Dont call me that. I hate it when people call me that.

My name is Audrey, not young lady. You can even ask my mom and check mybirth certificate because Im pretty sure it says Audrey Mabel Springston.

Mabel eh? Thats a lovely middle name Audrey, he complimented.She thanked him and then informed him about Erin and Claudia.He listened meticulously and believed her completely. He could tell

Audrey is a tough case to crack (no pun intended) but he knew that she wasnteasily tricked. Audrey was mighty and confident, very clever as well.

Well. I guess weve really narrowed it down because its not the

mother. She has no idea who Harvey is. And she was just shopping for somecheap food and supplies for her sons birthday party. And you just told me itsnot the two teenage girls because they ran away and hid. So then it must bethe man! Officer Lone exclaimed.

It came to him like an epiphany. It just hit him that they narrowed itdown one last suspect. Now, all they had to do was find this strange man.

Wow, that was fast, Audrey thought to herself as Officer Lone drove herto get dinner. It only started yesterday, Audrey continued, butI guess that thiscase wasnt as hard as we thought it was going to be. Audrey was staring outthe window as they drove past stores, apartment buildings, and so on and soforth.

Officer Lone, Audrey addressed him, I know this isnt any of mybusiness but are you married?

Officer Lone turned to glance at her but looked forward, No, Im notAudrey. And you were right. It is none of your business.Audrey sighed, It was only a question of mere curiosity, she paused

and muttered, Thats why youre so cranky all the time, right? Its becauseyoure lonely.

Officer Lone was able to hear her muttering and coughed, Now, Audrey,this isnt any of your business

Audrey lifted her head up and looked at him, Officer Lone, please, Iknow what its like to be lonely. Thats me allthe time. I have my mother butshes always working and the only time I talk to her is during chores and


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dinner. My father died when I was ten her voice cracked but she regainedher strength and continued on, The only friend I have moved on, as in shedecided she didnt need me anymore, she stopped there because it was toomuch information or she didnt have the will to continue on. Then lowered herhead; whether in shame, embarrassment, or just sadness, Officer Lone didntknow.

Audrey, please, Im driving, he told her and she began to quiver in her

seat.He could hear her sniffling, I dont know how to deal with this. Ive

never had a child before. Nor a younger sibling he paused and pulled into afast food drive-thru, What do you want?

Audrey didnt even lift her head up. She was silent and had decided notto answer him.

Officer Lone carefully rested his hand consolingly on her back, Audrey,dont cry. Im no good at this I dont know what Im doing, he inferred,Couldnt you have waited until getting home to break down and cry? Im apolice officer; I dont deal with this nonsense or drama. I deal with crimes andguns and bad people and he told her, sentence after sentence, neverpausing.

The voice from the speaker box erupted from out of nowhere, May Itake your order?

Just a second! Officer Lone replied to the speaker box thing.Audrey lifted her head and looked at Officer Lone, Im sorry. I shouldve

known that you couldnt really do anything. That was just a test, she smirkedat him.

Officer Lone pulled his hand back from Audrey, You could be a gooddad; Maybe not with a daughter. Although, youd be a good older brother,Audrey added.

Thanks; now, what do you want to order? he replied.Audrey continued to tell him what she wanted and thanked him because

he was paying. She went back to looking at the window and was silent until shegot her food, but even then all she said was, Thank you.

Officer Lone was bewildered by the silence but took it as it was andenjoyed it. With Audrey in the car, you could never tell what was going to

happen; but one thing was for sure, she was always thinking. Officer Loneturned to glance at her and she was in deep thought, he could tell.It was true, Audrey was in deep thought. Her mind was wondering about

multiple things but mostly focused on Officer Lone and the signs hed shownwhen she tested him. One thing was certain, Officer Lone was going to have tomeet her mother.

Audrey practically jumped out of the car when Officer Lone pulled up byher apartment. She yelled, Thanks! and continued to the household.

She pounded on the door and her mother answered, Dont pound on thedoor like that honey. Now, go and do your homework.

Already done, she replied as she slipped off her messenger bag andset it on the couch. The old, ripped lavender couch with the bright white pillowson each side.

Her mother nodded, Okay, well, Paige is still helping me. Go keepyourself occupied, okay?Audrey nodded and ran down the hallway to her room, which was at the

very end. She pushed the door open.Her room was rather large but was smaller than the bedroom her mother

has. Pushed up against the wall was Audreys cozy bed. The bedspread, pillows,blankets and such matched the couch out in the living room. The frame thatoutlined the mattress was white. Her nightstand was white and had two framedpictures. One of them with Audrey, her mother, and her father; Audrey wasnine. The other was Audrey and her father; Audrey was only five in that picture,


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but it was the only picture of her and her father. The walls were paintedlavender and she had wooden floors that ran across diagonally.

Audrey ran to her fathers old desk. It was filthy and covered with paintsplatters and fruit punch. On it sat her dads new laptop. Audrey turned it onand looked up some of her fathers old files. She looked at a group picture ofher father and his police squad. She looked through the array of heads andfound Officer Lone. She pointed him out and yelled for her mother. She came

rushing in, Yes Audrey, what is it?She pointed at Officer Lone on the computer screen, Do you know him?Im afraid not Audrey. Why?Audrey felt disappointed and just sent her out of the room. She went and

lied down on her bed. Her face pressed against the comfy pillow. And sheyelled. It was muffled and barely even heard by her ears. She darent lift herhead. She closed her eyes and let a tear slip out. She was hoping It was onlya false hope. A hope I used to merely trick myself Audrey thought to herself.Once again, her hopes got up too high and she lost control of it. Then, herphone began to ring, Hello?

Officer Lone answered, Oh, um hello Audrey. I think we have aproblem here.

Whats the problem Officer Lone? she immediately responded, sittingupright on her bed.

We cant seem to trace the suspicious man. I fear that he was onlyvisiting town. It may take a while to find the man.

How hard can it be to find a man with a tattoo on his neck that says ice?Look up all the tattoos given at local tattoo parlors. Duh.

Of course; since youre the smart one, he replied annoyed but in ateasing fashion.

Thank you for finally admitting it. She hung up and smiled to herself.

Two weeks later, Audrey and Officer Lone are desperately searching forthe man in the security tape. Officer Lone is on the verge of giving up butAudreys still up and running. Officer Lone was reviewing the tape over andover again, thinking, Why cant they just send in some professionals for this

kinda stuff? I may be a police officer but since when can I perform this kindastuff?Audrey was standing beside him, Officer Lone, cant we ask for help;

like maybe from those people? You know the ones who deal with this stuff?Like, on TV and you know

Officer Lone laughed at her, For such a smart girl, you can act so dumb;the Crime Scene Investigators, those people, right? Officer Lone chuckled ashe finished.

Audrey flushed and mumbled, Yeah those people.Officer Lone shook his head, The force doesnt think we need them.

Were smart enough, so they think.Audrey rolled her eyes and rewound the video, when suddenly she had

an idea, Cant we just look him up? Find a man with the initials I, C, and E?Wont that be simple? Its legal right?

Officer Lone considered it and went into silence. Audrey had a feelingthat they could, but didnt know whether it would be easy or not

Another week later, they found him. Yes, a week later; they had spenttheir time on that the whole time. It was severely hard but they found that helives in Los Angeles, two or three blocks from the store. Which made Audreyand Officer Lone feel incredibly stupid. They couldve just walked around for awhile until they saw him.


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Officer Lone was driving with Audrey to the mans house; or Ian CarterElverson, according to the information Officer Lone obtained. He lived in a nicehouse, very pleasant and appealing. There were white window panes and agreat big white door; it was a brick house, which provided great support.Officer Lone knew it was expensive.

Audrey looked at the house in bewilderment as she stepped out ofOfficer Lones car. She faintly touched the tall, white fence surrounding it.

She ran up the pathway to the house and rang the door bell, not evenallowing Officer Lone (who was in uniform) to catch up to her.

Audrey was patiently waiting for Ian to answer. She looked at OfficerLone who seemed anxious and tense, she softly touched his bicep and askedhim, Officer Lone, are you okay?

He nodded and Ian answered the door. He looked almost exactly thesame as he did a month ago. He seemed almost as frightening as he hadbefore.

How may I help you two? he asked them.Were you in the Friendly Grocer on March 15th, sir? Officer Lone

questioned him as he took out a notepad and pencil.The man started to think, You may call me Ian, he paused and cringed,

You mean to witness that horrid murder? That terrible robbery? heshuddered, I hope you arrested that man. We need less people like that.

Officer Lone calmly nodded, Ian, its all taken care of. Hes locked upbut not his accomplice.

Ians jaw dropped, There was another one? One was terrible enough.My father died like that, by murder. Although, he was in the military; it wasmore of an assassination.

That explains the military cut, Audrey thought to herself.Ian, were going to have to see if you have any voice coders or

synthesizer of some sort to change your voice through phone calls. I apologizebut you are one of the suspects, Audrey informed him as she stepped into thelarge household.

She scoped out through the whole house as Officer Lone talked to Ian.She looked in all five rooms, all four bathrooms, the kitchen, living room, andthe garage. She found absolutely nothing and felt completely frustrated. He

was the last suspect and Officer Lone had his force scope out the other houses;and nothing for those too.Officer Lone, I cant find anything! she exclaimed from halfway across

the hallway to the door. She found Officer Lone tranquilly sitting on Ianscouch. They were drinking a soda.

Of course you cant, because I didnt do it. Right, Officer Adam; Imcompletely innocent? Ian declared, but asked only to confirm with OfficerLone.

Officer Lone nodded, Yes, hes very innocent. He couldnt have done it,because the night that Harvey got his call, he was out at his fathers grave inthe cemetery with his mother and sister. They both confirmed, Officer Loneinformed her.

Audrey nodded but then she had a question, Why did he just call youOfficer Adam?

Thats my first name Audrey. That shouldve been easy for you to figureout, considering the fact that youre a genius and all, he teased her.Ian laughed and Audrey just scowled, All right, all right; if it wasnt Ian,

then who in the world was it?Officer Lone contemplated that for a moment, I have no idea but they

hadto have been in the store. The only other person who was in there is dead.Remember? So, were out of suspects.

Audrey doubted that, she immediately spoke up, What if it was thecashier? Lets go check it out. I have a feeling that all the shoppers wereinnocent.


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Officer Lone scoffed, Thats only because were out of suspects,Audrey.

No, its a feeling Ive had since the beginning but I just crossed him outbecause he died Officer Lone, lets go. Goodbye Ian, sorry about your father,Audrey called out as she eagerly ran out the door.

Kids, they just never stop to breathe, do they? Officer Lone mutteredto nobody in particular but Ian answered.

As a matter of fact they do. They just take a breath when you leastexpect.

Audrey felt triumphant at discovering that the cashier was also a primesuspect. All she could think about was that the cashier couldve been guiltytoo; he just didnt want to do time. But one thing she questioned was: whywould he target the store he works for? Not the competition but the storeitself. It all summed up in her head except that. Harvey was confused aboutwho the caller was, so he shot the cashier not knowing that he was the caller.And then, with the cashier dead, he couldnt go to jail. But she just couldntunderstand his motives; why the Friendly Grocer?

Audreys head rested on her hand as she impatiently waited for OfficerLone to get to the Friendly Grocer. Of course, the cop just had to follow therules, but Audrey was in a hurry. Officer Lone kept telling her to relax and thatit didnt matter; but to Audrey, it meant everything. It was her dream to dostuff like her dad; solve crimes, put criminals in jail, and figure out someseriously challenging puzzles.

As Officer Lone pulled into the parking lot, Audrey practically jumped outof the car. Officer Lone didnt even have time to stop her or even scold her.

She ran into the back, where the security tapes were. She watched theother cameras and saw that the cashier was the first to enter. She saw hisbrown eyes and blonde hair; his blonde hair being completely surfer style, aswas his whole appearance. He was around the age of twenty or possibly he justgot out of high school.

She saw that he had something in his pocket and it wasnt bubble gum.She was able to turn up the volume and hear him. He made a phone call andsaw the camera. His eyes locked with the camera and he threw some sort of

blade at the camera, completely taking away all of the video. Audrey was stillable to hear him make a phone call.This guys going to show up at around 6 oclock. Hes supposed to come

with a gun so I didnt bring anything, he paused, No man. This store isntpaying me anything. About two dollars an hour, maybe less. Yeah, I work mybutt off for them for three long years and I still get the same salary. Im goingto throw these guys out of business. Oh heck yeah. Party at my house becauseIm taking about seventy-five percent of the stolen goods man; all right, seeyou later.

Audrey hit pause and froze. She found the accomplice. It was thecashier. He called Harvey and set him up but didnt give him enoughinformation. So, Harvey shot the first person to talk to him about the robbery.It was a knee-jerk reaction and he shot him with the pistol. Then, Harveyproceeded to rob the store but wasnt fast enough to evade the police. It was

Harveys third robbery, making him a known criminal.Audrey still questioned the cashiers motives because to her, they werecompletely stupid. Just because they didnt pay you the salary you desireddoesnt mean you have to rob them. All you have to do is ask for a raise or workharder.

Audrey whispered to herself, I figured it out I knew it from thebeginning but Holy poultry I got it right.

Im proud of you Audrey, she heard Officer Lone say from behind her;Its amazing that you figured it out. In the month that Ive known you, youveproved to be a very talented girl.


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Audrey smiled then ran up to Officer Lone and hugged him, ThanksOfficer Lone, she let go of him and apologized, You were um well, youcouldve been nicer to me. And you couldve treated me more like an adult.Andyou couldve

Officer Lone interrupted with a laugh, All right, I get the point! Now,lets go report this to the base.

A day later, the file was reported. Of course, the cashier remained deadand didnt have to go to jail. Audrey decided to finally introduce her mom toOfficer Lone, so she had Officer Lone come over.

When he had arrived, she politely greeted him, Looking good OfficerLone.

Thank you Audrey, he replied with a wink, So, wheres this wonderfulmother I always hear about?

Audrey smiled at him and called her mom over; it was one of those raretimes when her mother wasnt working. Officer Lone was dressed casually inshorts (which suited him very nicely) and a t-shirt, the first time Audreys everseen him without the police uniform.

Her mother came down, looking very nice. To Audrey it was almost toonice, but she knew what was going on because the moment Officer Lone andher moms eyes met, something sparked. Audrey grinned to herself andthought, Everything is going to be just fine

Short Story -CAM

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